Walgreen

Walgreen Co. (also Walgreens) is the largest drug store chain in the United States. It has fewer stores than number two CVS but is ahead in sales. It has 5,700 stores in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Most sales are for prescription drugs. The stores also sell general merchandise, over-the-counter medications, cosmetics, and groceries. More than two-thirds of the stores have drive-through pharmacies.

Ad boycott against Air America Radio
Walgreens refused to advertise on the progressive Air America Radio. In October 2006, around 90 companies, including Walgreens, told ABC Radio Networks that they did not want their ads to play on radio stations that carried Air America Radio.

Political contributions
Walgreen gave $95,500 to federal candidates in the 2005/2006 election period through its political action committee - 37% to Democrats, 62% to Republicans.

Lobbying
The company spent $720,000 for lobbying in 2006. $160,000 went to three outside lobbying firms with the remainder being spent using in-house lobbyists.

Tobacco industry involvement
A confidential 1977 Tobacco Institute memo to William Kloepfer (Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Tobacco Institute) from Horace R. Kornegay (TI Executive Director) discusses the possibility that the Walgreens Drugstore chain may help them promote disinformation about the link cigarettes and health: "We may have an opportunity to engage another project similar to the one with Mr. Munford of the Majik Markets....Curtis Judge...told me about [a] meeting with David C. Carlson, manager of News and Information Services for Walgreen Drugs. ...Carlson expressed in interest in being of assistance to the tobacco industry in getting the true word put about....Curt suggested that I call Mr. Carlson which I have done. He indicated a real interest in being of every possible assistance to us...I further told him that I would call him in about two weeks and that we would agree upon a mutually convenient time and place to meet and discuss what and how he and his company could be of help." Tobacco Institute pursued their plan, sending a letter to Walgreens describing how Majik Markets had helped them, and proposing Walgreens do the same, at TI expense: Walgreens was extremely eager to help, even volunteering to the Tobacco Institute that their position as a "health center" could be of great benefit to industry in such a campaign: As you know, we at Walgreens are exploring the possibilities of an information program which will help both the tobacco industry and ourselves. We don't want to step into the middle of a raging controversy, but as an established "health center" there are many, many things we can do to gain and maintain the understanding and support of the public.

Personnel
Executives along with pay for 2006:
 * Jeffrey A. Rein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, $1,380,000 (plus exercised $408,000 in options)
 * Gregory D. Wasson, President and Chief Operating Officer, $674,000 (plus exercised $133,000 in options)
 * Charles R. Walgreen III, Founder, Chairman Emeritus, Director and Member of Fin. Committee, $61,000
 * Trent E. Taylor, Executive VP and Pres of Walgreens Health Services, $719,000 (plus exercised $197,000 in options)
 * William A. Shiel, Senior VP of Facilities Development, $636,000

Contact details
200 Wilmot Road Deerfield, IL 60015 Phone: 847-914-2500 Fax: 847-914-2804 Web: http://www.walgreens.com